Facebook and Instagram to ban illegal gun sales

Facebook said it will provide special in-app education on Instagram for those who search for sales or promotions of firearms.

Facebook and its photo sharing arm Instagram have unveiled new rules intended to curb the illegal sale of guns on both the sites.

Facebook said: "We will not permit people to post offers to sell regulated items that indicate a willingness to evade or help others evade the law."

The social media giant said as per the changes, private sellers of firearms in the US will be not be permitted to specify no background check required, nor can they offer to transact across state lines without a licensed firearms dealer.

Facebook said it will provide special in-app education on Instagram for those who search for sales or promotions of firearms.

Facebook head of global policy management Monika Bickert said, "By taking these unprecedented educational and enforcement steps, we’ve been able to strike an important balance in helping people express themselves, while promoting a safe and responsible community."

Reacting to the news, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said, "I applaud Facebook and Instagram for taking the lead in helping avoid illegal gun sales on these increasingly ubiquitous platforms."

"Responsible social media sites know that it is in no one’s interest for their sites to become a 21st century black market in dangerous and illegal goods that place our families and communities at risk," Schneiderman said.

"I congratulate Facebook and Instagram for taking these simple, common-sense steps to protect the safety and security of their users, and encourage other social media sites to follow their lead."

In November 2013, Instagram has blocked advert tags for some of the terms linked with the alleged illicit sale of drugs via its service.